A group of scientists believe that the Tillegra dam in Hunter Valley in New South Wales will starve the internationally-recognized Kooragang Island wetlands. The dam will cut flows by up to 40% in three major rivers, which are a source of life for thousands of migratory shorebirds.

NSW Government had announced plans to build a massive dam in the Upper Williams Valley north-west of Newcastle, about three and a half years ago. The dam will be able to secure water for the growing population in Hunter Valley.

It will be 21 kilometers long and will consume 4,500 hectares of agricultural land. Many local residents are opposed to the construction of dam.

A dairy farmer Carol Pasenow said, “It will have a great impact [not] only on this valley but the valleys further down the river system. It'll have an impact in Newcastle, on the estuaries. The community as a whole is having their eyes opened to the damage of the whole situation”.

The University of New South Wales made a 12-month independent assessment and it was found that freshwater monthly flows from three major rivers may decrease which will threaten the system downstream. Daily flows will be affected by something between 10 and 40%.